The President of IFSW Europe sent a message to the social workers and to the conference participants.
15 years ago, Armenia has made a change that has had and will have an impact on people’s lives.
15 years ago, the oldest and most prestigious university in Armenia, the Yerevan State University, has decided to open the door for students in social work.
At the same time, the Association of Social Workers was founded. From the beginning, the organization acted as a platform for social workers, engaging them in the development of professional social services and professional identity. On the other hand, the association of social workers has provided the education programs with the necessary evidence so that they can be used to train students in social work, and provided politicians with arguments needed to change the legislation.
I had the privilege of visiting Armenia and enjoying your beautiful country and I had the opportunity to work with the leaders of social workers in Armenia, Mira Antonyan and Manane Petrosyan. They not only invested in the development of the profession and social services in Armenia, but they also contributed to the shape of the social work profession in Europe.
During my journeys in Armenia I had the opportunity to talk to people and learn about their struggle and achievement. I know that Armenia is becoming stronger with each person that is overcoming the challenges and develop the abilities to invest in those around.
The social workers in Armenia are the main contributors to the success of this process of change. They inspire people and give them the support they need to make the right changes.
I am confident that you all, together, the Association of Social Assistants, universities and service providers, will continue to work so that, in its social and economic development, Armenia will not leave anyone behind.
On these days of celebrating 100 years of the Yerevan State University, 15 years of the University Department in Social Work and 15 years of the existence of the Association of Social Workers, I wish you, on behalf of IFSW Europe, all the best and inspiration in shaping the social work profession and social services in Armenia.
I wish you a successfully conference and I look forward visiting your wonderful country again.
Ana Radulescu
President of IFSW Europe